Tag Archives: Narragansett

This Is The Best Beer Can of Summer

Beer / June 7, 2017 / 3 Comments.

Sorry, Budweiser. Yes, you managed to somehow up the American ante, which I didn’t think was possible after you made cans that literally replaced your brand name with “America” last summer. But you did it. Now they’re camo-colored too. (What happens if you put it down in the grass to throw a Frisbee? You’ll never find it again.) But Bud, you do not have the coolest-looking beer of the summer.

Sorry, Sam Adams. Your new Sam Summer cans are quite colorful and snazzy. They look modern and summery and, why yes, I do want to drink one right now. I will even admit that, after drinking a few of these, I will probably argue with friends over which color tastes the best, even if I know damn well it’s the exact same beer inside. But Sam, you do not have the coolest-looking beer of the summer, either.

That’s because this is the finest-looking, most majestic beer you will lay your eyes on this summer:

The best beer can of summer. Retro-cool New England brewery Narragansett got even retro-cooler when they brought back their 1975 can design. The can that was made iconic by “Jaws,” in which the grizzled Captain Quint literally crushed one:

Just look at that thing. It makes me want to grow a bushy 1970’s mustache, throw on some cutoff jean shorts and mow the lawn. But even if you don’t do that, do yourself a favor: Grab some of these beautiful cans, load them into an icy cooler, and class up your summer.

Narragansett’s Ultimate Summer Guide

Beer / June 1, 2017 / 2 Comments.

The temps are rising and the days are getting longer. Time to start planning your first summer beach day. Narragansett’s Ultimate Summer Guide makes it easy. It covers everything from packing the perfect cooler to scoping the best spot on the beach to shucking oysters like a pro. These tips are the key to having a true Rhody summer.

The most important part of any beach day? A stocked cooler. We recommend including the following:

Del’s Shandy (4.7% ABV)
Combining two Rhode Island favorites, Del’s Shandy is the ultimate summertime refresher. Del’s provides an effervescent, citrus blast from the tart all natural lemon juice concentrate of the iconic Del’s Lemonade backed by just enough sweet malt to keep it from becoming too sour. Just the drink you’re looking to sip on for those hot days when you call in “sick” to the office.

Town Beach IPA (4.7% ABV)
This brew is a supremely drinkable IPA that packs a light citrus kick, so you can throw a few back throughout the day. Blended with Two-Row, Carapils, Caramel 20 and White Wheat malts, and Citra hops, they give it a slight fruitiness before it’s dry-hopped again with Citra hops at the finish to deliver the aromas of passion fruit and grapefruit.

Summertime Citra Ale (4.2% ABV)
Brewed in Rhode Island for the first time ever at Narragansett Brewery at The Guild, Summertime Citra Ale has a smooth Pale malt flavor balanced out perfectly by the crisp Citra hop bitterness. This light, thirst-quenching Blonde Ale is great for the beach, boat, backyard patio or baseball game. (Limited availability in SE New England).

Narragansett Lager “Clam Can” (5% ABV)
Since 1890, ‘Gansett’s Lager has been a year-around staple, but every summer it receives a makeover when the annual “clam cans” hit shelves. As the self-proclaimed Official Beer of the Clam, this can showcases our signature recipe for a traditional New England clam bake, so the perfect summer meal is just a lager away.

America’s Cup Bermuda Style Pilsner (5% ABV)
Each year, the world’s best sailors race for the oldest trophy in International Sports — America’s Cup. This easy-drinking Pilsner honors the historic sailing tradition and Rhode Island’s longstanding ties with the iconic race. It’s a craft Pilsner brewed with Two Row and Carapils malts and German Hallertau hops for refreshment like you’d get on a Caribbean beach from a green bottle beer. This is the perfect brew for a relaxing day on the water.

Clam Shack Summer Variety Pack
Can’t decide which beer you like best? ‘Gansett has four summer beers (Del’s Shandy, Summertime Citra Ale, Lager, Town Beach IPA) packaged up into one variety pack, making it as easy as ever to crack open a Rhody summer.

Now that you know what a perfect cooler of beer looks like, check out The ‘Gansett Guide to Summer at for more on how to summer like a true Rhode Islander. And, for the sand-averse land lubbers looking to crack open a ‘Gansett while bellying up to the bar, Narragansett put together a whole summers’ worth of events around the country. Head on over to the new “Neighborhood Watch” page to see the events happening in your ‘hood.

Thirsty for more? Visit: www.narragansettbeer.com or follow Narragansett on Facebook (@NarragansettBeer), Twitter (@GansettBeer) and Instagram (@GansettBeer).

Narragansett’s Next Lovecraft Beer

Beer / January 23, 2017 / No Comments.

It’s time to introduce the next chapter in Narragansett’s Lovecraft series. For those of you who don’t know who H.P. Lovecraft is, he is universally acclaimed as the “Father of Modern Horror.” On January 19th, ‘Gansett rolled out The Unnamable Black Lager, a roasty brew completed with city hops for a fruity finish. It’s 7.5% ABV, 76 IBUs and $11.99-$12.99 per six pack. The release below takes on a slightly different form than ‘Gansett’s preview announcements. Enjoy this Lovecraft-inspired tale about beer…

Locked inside of a deserted mausoleum, Randolph Carter and Rhode Island artist Jarrett McPhee stood under candlelight with two cans of The Unnamable Black Lager in their hands. There, immersed in darkness at the request of Narragansett Beer, the pair wondered why they had agreed to go to such great lengths in order to illustrate the label for Narragansett’s fifth chapter and sixth release in its Lovecraft Series.

For previous beer commissions, Jarrett simply had to draw and submit a few designs to the ‘Gansett team, but Mark Hellendrung, President of Narragansett Beer, impressed upon him that this particular brew was darkly different and could only truly be illustrated once experienced. After all, Narragansett even partnered with Providence, Rhode Island’s historic Swan Point Cemetery – burial site of H.P. Lovecraft – to grow The Unnamable’s hops over the author’s grave.

“Those orthodox, sun-dwelling New Englanders remain deaf to my pleas,” said Carter. “For months I have argued the ramifications of growing elements for this potation in such a place as Swan Point Cemetery – with ingredients nourishing themselves from such unmentionable and noxious earth. O, though I may have been mocked or called mad, those who are not blind to history’s warnings will understand these words to be what they truly are: the implicit truth! Save yourself, Jarrett, don’t open that can!”

Knowing that he would see no remittance for his designs until he faced The Unnamable, Jarrett dismissed Carter’s childish warning and cracked open a can. Immediately, the crypt filled with an earthy, dank stench that made him lurch. Struggling to see through a fog of sticky green smoke, Jarrett took a sip of the beer and saw the outline of something down the hall. Calling out for Carter, it wasn’t until he was nearly face to face with the ultimate abomination that he realized it wasn’t Carter he saw at all.

A split second later, Jarrett lost consciousness and woke up a week later in Rhode Island Hospital.

“I’m not sure what I saw back there in that mausoleum; for one second I was looking for Carter and the next I’m here, shackled to this hospital bed,” he proclaimed. “Whatever came out when I opened that can of beer was the most terrifying and indescribable thing I have ever seen – but it tasted damn good.”

With a horror drenched backbone of Chocolate Rye, Cara Red, Carafa Special 1 and Pilsner malts, The Unnamable Black Lager is a roasty quaff with flashes of toffee, caramel, coffee and dark chocolate. Stand watch or those hops will grab you by your throat when you’re not looking.

Source: Narragansett Beer

A Salute to Summer Shandies

Beer / April 25, 2016 / No Comments.

With summer approaching fast, we’re all looking to loosen up a little bit. And nothing says summer like an ice cold summer shandy. A delicious mix of beer and fruit juice, a shandy is a perfect choice for those hot summer afternoons. So undo a few buttons, lose the shoes, and treat your taste buds to some of this season’s hottest summer shandies.

UFO Big Squeeze Shandy – Brewed in Boston, UFO Big Squeeze Shandy is a sweet beer with a smooth Grapefruit flavored finish that will leave you begging for more. At only 4.50% ABV, it won’t leave you with a killer hangover either.

Samuel Adam’s Porch Rocker – This Boston Beer Company shandy is a perfect summer choice for the avid beer drinker. It has the classic Sam Adam’s taste with a hint of lime to add a bit of sweetness to an already delicious brew.

Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy – A silver medal winner in the Fruit Wheat Beer category at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival, this Wisconsin brewed lemon flavored shandy is no joke. Only available from March – August, this is a drink you will want to have in your coolers for summertime barbecues.

Shock-Top Lemon Shandy – This Anheuser-Busch brewed Belgian Wheat Ale has a very distinct taste that sets it apart from the pack. Brewed with coriander, citrus peels, and natural lemonade flavor, this shandy is a home-run choice for any backyard cookout.

Narragansett’s Del’s Shandy – Brewed in Rhode Island, this delicious 4.70% ABV shandy is available all summer long. A creamy brew with a zesty lemon aftertaste, Del’s Shandy is definitely one to keep an eye out for this summer.

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Booze News Weekly

Booze News Weekly / April 14, 2016 / No Comments.

Do you ever find yourself bored with your go-to booze? When you’ve grown tired of that mundane drink order, we’ll be here to talk you through what’s new and noteworthy this week:

Narragansett Beer
Earlier this week, Mark Hellendrung, the CEO of Narragansett Brewing Co., posted a candid and heartfelt open letter to lovers of the brand. In the letter, he reminisces about the “good ‘ole days” of ‘gansett, and how he brought the beer back to life in the mid 2000’s. Along with this narrative, he announced the company’s latest development: for the first time in 15 years, Narragansett Beer will be brewed in Rhode Island. The company is opening a facility in Pawtucket called the Guild, which will host the offices (that are currently in Providence), and all brewing operations (which currently takes place in Rochester, NY). Now their catchphrase, Hi, Neighbor, will make a little more sense!

Tutu
This New Zealand cider will be making its US debut very shortly. Hailing from the land of Kiwi’s, this gluten-free beverage will be available in California later this year. Its parent company, Kono, is the largest indigenous beverage and food producer in New Zealand. And the name “Tutu” comes from the indigenous Maori language, meaning to be cheeky and mischievous. So, if you want to step on the wild side, try to get your hands on a bottle.

KOVAL
This distillery will soon be releasing its latest gin offering: Organic Barreled Gin. This gin will be similar to the distillery’s award winning Dry Gin, but with a twist: it’s aged in KOVAL whiskey barrels. This makes for a slightly darkened liquid, that is housed in a studding bottle, with label design by Dando Projects.

Brown-Forman
This renowned brand will be releasing its first bourbon in 20 years this summer, and it’ll go by the name Cooper’s Craft. The bourbon will be available in select markets, and was conceived to celebrate the brand’s 70 years of barrel making and wood expertise. The company’s emphasis on the barrels it uses and the wood used to make those barrels is unique in the market, and just serves as an example of how seriously they take their trade.

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Booze News Weekly

Booze News Weekly / March 25, 2015 / No Comments.

Do you ever find yourself getting bored with your go-to booze? When you’ve grown tired of that mundane drink order, we’ll be here to walk you through what’s new and noteworthy this week:

It’s (pre-mixed) Margarita Time – Celeb chef Sandra Lee recently launched a line of bottled margaritas, celebrating her coined catchphrase, “It’s cocktail time!”—and it really is. The ready-to-drink margs come in two flavors; Key Lime and Strawberry, each made from real fruit, sugar, tequila and triple sec. Talk about a real bang for your buck.

Hornitos Spiced Honey – Featuring 100% blue agave, this tasty tequila brand has infused their classic liquor with a natural honey flavor and a special spice blend to create a tangy new flavor. Mix it with lemonade or your favorite soda for sweet and spicy kick.

The Spring/Summer Shandy – Providence, Rhode Island’s Narragansett Beer announced this week that they will releases two of their seasonal blends—Narragansett Del’s Shandy and Narragansett Summer Ale—earlier this year. For us northerners, this is excellent news because we are so sick of winter we might as well skip spring all together and celebrate summer.

Off to the Races – Bourbon giant Old Forester released a ready-to-serve Mint Julep cocktail just in time for spring. Sold in a commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle, the 60-proof pre-mixed cocktail is made with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; all you need is a silver cup of crushed ice and you’ll be set for the races.

Strong Bow Cider’s 2 New Flavors – To extend its “Cider At Its Bestest” campaign, Heineken USA’s Strongbow cider brand is adding two new flavors to their portfolio, Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger. The pair will make their debut in the company’s new 12-bottle variety pack along with Strongbow’s existing flavors, Gold Apple and Honey.

Burnett’s Fruity Flavored Vodka – The well-known vodka brand introduced two additions to its already diverse group of flavors—Cherry Limeade & Apple Berry. The fun new flavors will be found on shelves starting early this April and can be purchased in four different sizes (depending on how hard you’re trying to party).

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Scary Good Beer

Beer / January 27, 2015 / No Comments.

HP Lovecraft. You may know him as the author of some of the scariest pieces of fiction out there, or you may not even know him. But Narragansett has chosen him as the inspiration for their new line of beer.

According to their website, they’ve got a lot of baggage from their time off the market. Now that they’ve been back for a while – they’re ready show their dark side. With a local artist designing the cans’ artwork, they’ve got a new, edgy look that we can’t wait to try.

Lovecraft’s Honey Ale is available for purchase as of last week, but you can expect 3 more with a similar theme coming out this year. By collaborating with Revival Brewing, which is another RI-based brand, Gansett has the Ocean State buzzing and buzzed.

Narragansett #LagerDay

Beer / December 3, 2014 / No Comments.

It’s officially the holiday season and Narragansett is getting us in the spirit. With National Lager Day just around the corner (it’s December 10th if you don’t have it marked already) they are running a fundraiser to raise money for Toys for Tots and we think it’s pretty awesome.

What do you have to do to take part? Well first, you’ll need a Narraganset. Then, “all you need to do is take a picture of your ‘Gansett, tag #LagerDay” and they will donate a $1 to the cause. Pretty great, right? Plus, it’s easy. So do your part this season, grab a beer and tag your photo.

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The Best Summer Shandies

Beer / June 24, 2014 / No Comments.

The burning sun, the thick muggy air, the sweat pouring down our necks. THIS is summer, folks. And, while the season does come with its fair share of perks (the whole no snow thing), it can prove to be a menace in itself. But, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. A white knight, if you will, to come and save us from our misery. Yes, friends. That white knight is the reliable summer shandy.

When you think of this lemony libation, your own personal favorite may come to mind. You may think of a microbrew version or even a home recipe that has always provided you with a refreshing, soothing shandy. But, there’s also a fair share of brand names that are delivering shandies definitely worth trying.

Leinenkugel’s: Perhaps the most well-known on our list, this shandy has hit the shelves for a second year in a row, marking the true start of “Leinie time.”
Shock Top: The beer most well known for its interesting flavors also has a lemon shandy. We’re game to give it a whirl.
Curious Traveler: Brewed at The Traveler Beer Co., known for their dedication to authentic shandies, the Curious Traveler prides itself on using real lemons and limes.
Narragansett/Del’s: For just a limited time, you can get the ridiculously refreshing combo that is Narragansett beer and Del’s lemonade. These two classics pairing up can only create a masterpiece.

We know. It’ll be hard to choose. But when the heat hits, we know you’ll be reaching for a shandy.

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Drink A Beer, Name A Shark

Beer / June 23, 2014 / No Comments.

It’s one of the most iconic movies/theme songs in all of cinematic history, so it’s only appropriate that Narragansett bring back their retro “Jaws” can in honor of the summer season. For those of you who aren’t making the connection – Captain Quint famously crushes a Narragansett beer all while searching for a enormous killer shark in open water.

The RI beer monarchs are re-releasing their original 1975 can with an added (charitable) twist this summer. In support of shark conservation efforts in the Atlantic Ocean, they’ve partnered with R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program to give ‘Gansett fans the chance to name and track an adopted shark. A shark of your very own? We’ll drink to that.

So how does it work? Narragansett will purchase the satellite tag that will let researchers and fans track a shark and its behaviors. From now until Shark Week (one of our favorite holidays), fans can submit their name suggestions on social media with the hashtag #NameTheShark. We’re pretty sure we’ve got a winning name in our corner, but best of luck to all.

And if you’re not in the mood to track a shark across the Atlantic, just grab a cold one instead. The limited edition throwback cans will be available throughout New England (home of Jaws himself) as well as NY, PA, NC, D.C., and FL.

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